ACTS OF VANDALISM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20824, 1 July 1942, Page 2

ACTS OF VANDALISM

WARNING BY COUNCIL IRRESPONSIBLE YOUTHS Acts of vandalism and hooliganism were reported to the Gisborne Borough Council last night, when the council decided to appeal to those responsible to observe the decencies of life and also to ask headmasters to appeal to any children who might be involved. If that did not correct the evil, police action might be taken. The Mayor, Mr. N. H. Bull, said that serious complaints had been received regarding irresponsible youths—he would even sav hoodlums —who had been in the habit of frequenting the borough reserve at Kaiti and indulging in sham fights with stones. They got into the trenches and heaved stones across the track. One of the ringleaders of the gang was very impertinent to the borough supervising gardener when he spoke to them, and two women were in fear of injury to themselves and their children. Complaints had been received also regarding the destruction of shrubs and trees by acts of vandalism or thoughtlessness by persons without any sense of decency. He appealed to those responsible to cease their activities, and if the appeal failed the council, would have no option but to place the matter in the hands of the police. Mr. R. Morse said that some similar occurrences had been noted in' the Waikanae area. It was the same gang, and If it was allowed to go on serious damage might be done. Mr. F. Tolerton said that damage had been done on Kaiti Hill road, where the road had been undermined. The supervising gardener, Mr. T. R. Andrew, attended the meeting to report what had occurred.